By now you've more than likely heard about the controversy caused by Ms. Cordova when she used her political influence to get APS upper management to change her son's grade from an F to a D in order for him to graduate (ABQ Journal - Subscription). An investigation into the incident by the State Board of Education exonerated the boy's principal and teacher who both refused to change young Jose Acosta's grade despite the pressure applied by Commissioner Cordova (ABQ Journal - Subscription).
Today, the commissioner decided to try and save her political career by dragging her son onto 770 KKOB to give her side of the story. In so doing, Ms. Cordova proved that the apple didn't fall very far from the tree. Her defense of her actions amounted to "I acted as a mother" and it's APS's fault for not intervening. Never in the hour long interview with host Bob Clark, did the commissioner even consider the idea that her son was to blame for his poor performance.
Young Acosta admitted, forging a grade report for his basketball coach, admitted turning in make-up work late, admitted being absent 17 days of some 45 in the third 9 week period, admitted that he only earned a 7% during the same report card period, and yet somehow believes that he EARNED his diploma. What's worse is his mother Commissioner Cordova - a PhD. and UNM associate professor - believes it too!
(Sidebar)Diplomas are a cumulative effort. If you don't complete the requirements ON-TIME, you should NOT GRADUATE ON-TIME. Further, if you don't complete the requirements AT ALL, you should not graduate... EVER. There should have been a consequence associated with Acosta's actions (or lack of thereof). Instead, mommy commissioner stepped in to fix the problem and her little darling boy learned that for him, there are no consequences.
Makes us want to review Commissioner Cordova's doctoral work. Is it even possible that her students learn anything?!
(End Sidebar)
The ends justify the means... and it doesn't matter who gets hurt or how unfair it is. Elected officials who think this way are inherently dangerous and invariably gather power, money, and influence to themselves while taking it away from you.
18 comments:
And because of all this, another spoiled little brat walks the streets. Kids like him without parents in power usually end up flipping burgers, but since he's lucky enough to have such influential parents, he'll more than likely get a job on the 11th floor! Yep, the ends justify the means.
Don't we have a guy in the PRC like this kid. I think his father is a politican in Santa Fe. Maybe this kids parents will pull strings for the rest of this kids life. That is how things work in New Mexico.
These brats never learn the value of hard work or ethics. I remember not too long ago the mayor's little darling was caught shopliftting at Dillard's.
I agree with all of you. Let me say though, after retiring from law enforcement I saw just about every parent doing everything they could for their kid. Oh I heard all the comments that you all are posting, but when the nut cutting came down almost 100% of you would try to do the same thing for your kid. So don't be patting yourself on the back to hard, in the same situation you would probably do the same thing.
not so; when my I got a phone call that my daughter had been caught shoplifting, I told them to call the police and have her arrested.
I don't remember why, but they wouldn't.
You make a good point though; it's easy to talk until it happens to you.
What are we teaching our children? What this tells every kid and parent facing this same situation is that you can beat the system and its ok to use your position of authority to get yourself or your family or even your friends out of a mess! Its not right, I don't care how you justify it
The boy\'s diploma, and the mother\'s PHD should be revoked!&*&^$$#
Dascalos(sp) 40 year old child, playboy, rich kid(never worked a day in his life). Same thing.
Chavez. Father to his son (Marty-Four Hills rich kid).Same influence and bad examples passed to the next generation. They will all eventually become criminals whether it be white collar or blue collar. Some how,society seems to forgive those who blatently steal from the taxpayers than those who rob a 7-11 or a bank, but to me there all one in the same
How many of you would fix a traffic ticket if you could? How many of you would fudge on your taxes? I think our whole society needs an ethical wakeup call.
Great post today. This should stir up a lot of comments on just what exactly is wrong with adults today, especially politicians who think it is their right to pilfer and take kickbacks, on top of their already shameful outrageous salaries.
Yep typical NM nepotism outlook on life. Sort of how everyone of Mannys relatives and friends (the ones not in jail) are in well placed jobs.
For that matter it is sort of like how many people of command level in all walks of city govt. do not have a degree. Even in the most corrupt cities there are certain educational requirements that you don't see here. This kid w/his unearned high school diploma will no doubt end up earning more than most educated people in this god forsaken state.
This crap is not owned solely by New Mexico. It is everywhere. You guys that think this is only here need to look at the news from all over the country and world. Really it is just human nature. It is also human nature to think that we are above all that. I know very few people who hold themselves to a higher ethical standard on everything in their life.
I hope that eveyone who has expressed their rage here, will express that same interest at the school board meeting today at 5:00.
They will decide whether or not they will be held honestly accountable to a code of ethics; just like students.
Two comments up. I guess then, if I were you, I'd find some new friends and associates. SOME people do live by a certain set of basic morals.
As a cop the whole community were my associates (that includes you). I don't need new friends and associates, just being honest about what I have seen in over 20 years. Most people view themselves in a way that is not entirely correct. Maybe you are the exception, but I doubt it. I am sure sometime, somewhere you called a cop to get out of a ticket, or you fudged on your taxes, or you fudged on a time sheet or expense report or just name it. Unless you prove it to me I just won't blindly believe your comment.
That is unless you sign your name Jesus Christ.
When the speeding but of accountability is inches from your face, everyone is looking for a way out.
That is why we need systems that don't leave accountability up to personal discretion.
Can you imagine if Marty were Mayor in Rio Rancho. They would have indicted years ago (ABQ PAC.) Look at the current situation up there and how their city councilors take care of business.
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